1979 Ford LTD vs. 2002 Mazda 6
To start off, 2002 Mazda 6 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ford LTD. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ford LTD would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Ford LTD is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mazda 6 (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1979 Ford LTD. (129 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mazda 6 should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford LTD. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford LTD weights approximately 135 kg more than 2002 Mazda 6.
Because 1979 Ford LTD is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1979 Ford LTD. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Mazda 6, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1979 Ford LTD (302 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 121 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mazda 6. (181 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1979 Ford LTD will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mazda 6. 1979 Ford LTD has automatic transmission and 2002 Mazda 6 has manual transmission. 2002 Mazda 6 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Ford LTD will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford LTD | 2002 Mazda 6 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | LTD | 6 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 302 Nm | 181 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.7 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5320 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 64 L |
